Janet Rene Blair
Janet Rene Blair,
80, passed away on Easter Sunday April 1, 2018 after a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis.
Janet was born in Albuquerque on March 12,
1938 to Charles "Shorty" Blair and Lorene Thomen. She is survived by her younger brother Russel "Gene" Blair of Albuquerque, her daughter Debbie Melzo of Belen NM, daughter Pamela and husband Blaine Ross of Ballinger TX, three grandchildren; Nicholas, Tami and Kelly Melzo all of Belen NM, her beautiful great-grandchildren; Isaac, Lucia, Jordyn and Isaiah Melzo and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She attended Immanuel Lutheran School, Albuquerque High School and graduated from St. John’s Academy in Winfield KS in 1956. In the early 1970’s she completed classes at TCJC in Ft. Worth TX to become a computer operator, long before it was a "thing". In addition to being a dedicated mom to her two daughters, she wore many other hats during her life; telephone operator, volunteer EMT, police dispatcher, bookkeeper and tax preparer. Her most cherished roles were grandmother and great-grandmother.
Throughout her life she was a voracious reader and loved learning anything new. In the early 80’s she began developing her artistic talents by exploring many forms of media; charcoal, acrylics, watercolors, woodworking and photography. Eventually turning her self taught skills into a successful southwestern arts & crafts business. She sold her creations for many years at shops in Old Town and at the Fairgrounds Flea Market.
Janet fondly recounted her childhood summer adventures of camping, hiking and fishing with her family. She was an avid nature lover from a young age - eventually leading her to volunteer at the Rio Grande Nature Center. Already a passionate bird watcher and Bosque supporter, she enthusiastically embraced the position at the front desk 2 afternoons a week; fielding a variety of calls, assisting visitors and scheduling tours. It was soon realized this would be a new outlet for her artistic talents. Janet became a major contributor to the Nature Center festivals by creating popular artwork & craft projects for the children.
Janet was smart, funny, adventurous, fiercely independent, generous and caring. She had so many gifts & talents - a pianist, spelling bee winner, amazing seamstress, award winning rose gardener, DIYer of most things, gifted artist and darn good cook. She loved travel and exploring, especially the Land of Enchantment - often with a beloved K9 companion in tow. Although her family is saddened by her passing, we find comfort knowing she enjoyed a full and wonderful adventure on earth and is now at peace in heaven with her Lord and Savior. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Charles S. and Lorene A. Blair, brother Charles Blair and sister Joan Blair.
She chose to donate her body to UNM School of Medicine to further the education of our future medical professionals as well as in appreciation of the many caring physicians whose dedication gave her the best life possible with her disease and disability. In lieu of a formal service, a celebration of Janet’s life and interment of her ashes will take place at a later date. If desired, memorials may be sent to the Rio Grande Nature Center, Animal Humane New Mexico or the charity close to your heart.